UPS has researched many combinations of vehicles to find improved efficiency. The solutions using hybrid, electric or CNG gas have added too much complexity and not enough savings. UPS is currently testing a new truck design made of plastic which saves weight and permits smaller engines, giving dramatic fuel savings.
While Ford has trailed behind competitors in bringing out pure electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, the company is confident its upcoming products will offer unique advantages. Its 2013 Ford C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid will be able to travel up to 500 miles on a single charge and single tank of gasoline. Ford's plan is not just to match Volt but beat it.
Discord among the OPEC nations may be part of a series of events helping to reduce gas prices. Spring troubles in the Arab world and revolution in Libya originally created some doubts about supply, and prices rose to $127 per barrel in April. U.S. drivers have reduced driving and shifted to higher mileage vehicles - two actions which have helped to reduce gas prices.
Avis Budget Group Inc. and Hertz Global Holdings Inc. have been in a bidding war for rival Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group Inc. Avis Budget just announced it has a new priority, that of merging with its previous partner Avis Europe in a move that globalizes the Avis and Budget brands and makes the largest publicly-traded car rental company in the world.